Friday, July 30, 2010

One of the things I tend to do after a birthday is start asking myself what still works and what doesn't. Without proper warning, I engage friends in deep conversations (usually about me…and usually when they're in places like doctors' waiting rooms or supermarket check out lines). I also start cleaning out drawers and closets.

Today I tried on a blouse to see if I still like it. I don't.

I know that a blog about makeup and skincare should generally stick to discussing…um… makeup and skincare; but every now and then something else pops into my head right before it’s time to discuss products. (But just so you won’t worry; I still have plans to tell you how fabulous today’s hair care items are.)

The reason I’m rambling about a blouse right now, though, is because buying it was kind of a turning point. It was the first thing I’d bought in a long time that made me feel pretty (and a little bit sexy). Before then, I had spent a long time hiding out from the world; and when I tried on that blouse (and actually bought it); it seemed like I was telling myself to step out of my comfort zone. When I finally wore it to work (and got compliments); it felt like something was beginning to change. It seemed like a huge step at the time. Since then, my life has opened up more than I ever dreamed possible; and it feels like the coming year will bring even more miracles.

Seeing that piece of clothing in my closet used to give me a happy jolt. But lately it’s just been sitting there and I’ve barely noticed it. And it no longer fits (literally or figuratively). That makes me a little sad; but I know that it’s time to appreciate it, then let it go and make room. I have a lot of decisions coming up about relationships, singing, writing, and things I want to deepen or change. I hope that a year from now I look back on another twelve months of amazing transformations (both in my closet and in my heart).

Did you think I forgot this was a beauty blog? Ha - I most certainly did not!

One of the more noticeable transformations in the works is my hair. Right now, letting my hair grow long again feels a little bit like re-igniting a spark. More importantly, it feels like a tangible commitment (as well as a surrender) to growth, openness and change. It also reminds me that however new-agey, touchy-feely and abstract I get, there are still practical matters to think about. Which leads me to a pair of extremely practical (and wonderful) products from Moroccanoil.

There are a lot of reasons to love this shampoo and conditioner. For starters, the lovely fragrance and rich texture make washing my hair feel like a luxurious, pampering experience. I love that both contain argan oil, protect my color, and have a list of ingredients that support long-term resilience.

What I love most, though, is how soft, shiny and conditioned my hair feels. Even in the July humidity; my hair is pretty and manageable – and the frizz is calmed. The shampoo cleans well, and adds nourishing oils back without any heaviness. The conditioner instantly detangles and makes my hair shiny and soft. It even works well as a leave-in. I get both silkiness and bounce!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Most of my "Thursday Face" entries have focused on foundations and tinted moisturizers; so I thought today I'd feature something that goes underneath all of that. Here's a fabulous facial item from Laura Mercier.

Blurb: Foundation Primer is a lightweight, creamy gel meant to be used prior to foundation, creating an invisible layer that acts as a buffer to outside elements. The colorless gel leaves makeup looking fresh and colour-true the entire day. Ideal for normal and combination skin. Vitamins A, C, and E act as antioxidants and protect the skin from harmful, aging effects of the environment.

One of the best things you can do for your foundation is use a primer – especially in the summer. Primers not only create a smoother surface; they also help foundation last and look better longer. Laura Mercier is the originator of the foundation primer (way back in the 90's), and this product is still spectacular.

It's a clear weightless gel that feels almost like a lotion. It dries quickly, leaving a smooth surface for flawless makeup application. And…yippee!...it also makes pores look a whole lot smaller. A little bit goes a long way (and does a whole lot)! When I use this underneath foundation (or tinted moisturizer); I get a lovely, smooth, soft-focus finish, and hours of oil-control. What I love best, though, is how much longer my makeup stays put and looks fresh. Even my blush and concealer last longer!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Well the birthday train has finally left the station (mostly). The festivities are done (mostly), and it's time to start another year. Tonight I'm going home and doing a whole bunch of cleaning because my Mom is arriving on the weekend. This is my only night to clean, and it's also my only night to stay home and enjoy a bit of R&R. So once the dust bunnies have been taken care of, this post-birthday girl is spending time with a lovely set of items from CLEAN.

Blurb: The perfect solution for those on the go! Lather up with Shower Fresh Bath & Shower Gel. Then layer on Shower Fresh Soft Body Lotion for freshly-scented, smooth & hydrated skin. Use the puff to lightly dust Original Moisture Absorbent Fresh Body Veil to stay dry all day long, even under a silk blouse. Then sprinkle in the Original Dry Shampoo on the days you don’t have time to wash and blow dry your hair! The light soapy shower fresh scents layer perfectly.

I love it when companies are in tune with the whole bathtime, luxury, need-to-retreat-with-things-that-feel-and-smell-good vibe. CLEAN is all about fragrant products that soothe and pamper. I tried this set out a couple of mornings ago; and I can't wait to use them again tonight.

The Bath and Shower Gel was gentle and refreshing. The light foam cleaned and softened with a light, soothing fragrance. The Body Lotion (same lovely fragrance) absorbed quickly and made my skin feel even softer. The scent is very light, so you can still follow up with your favorite perfume.

I especially loved the Fresh Body Veil. I was a little skeptical when I read the words "time release," but even though it's feather light, it held up for hours. It's silky smooth, and I felt fresh and dry well into the afternoon. The Dry Shampoo is the first dry shampoo I've ever tried. I'm planning to share the details on one of my Hair Care Fridays; but I was really impressed.

More summer smoothness! Check out the "Get Your VEET On" Challenge on Facebook. Just by entering, you could win a weekend getaway to NY, LA, Las Vegas or Miami! There are also chances to win an iPod Nano!

Just log on to the VEET Facebook page (at www.facebook.com/veet) and click on the “Get VEET” tab to enter. Then let them know how you got your VEET on this weekend.

Once you submit a video or paragraph, you can share the link to vote for their page with your friends. (And each time someone votes they are automatically entered in a sweepstakes to win an iPod Nano.) They'll be giving away one every week.

Best of all, for each person who ‘Likes’ the VEET Facebook page, VEET will donate $5 to http://www.girlup.org/, So encourage your friends ‘Like’ the page!

The folks at Privé (makers of hair fabulousness) have some great tips for those you fair-haired girls! Take a look…

Blondes Have More Fun In The Sun....But Beware, The Summer Sun Isn't Fun For Those That Are Fair

We all lather on sunscreen to protect our skin when we're out basking in the sun over summer but did you know without proper protection for your hair, you're at risk of sun damage as well? Just like fair skin, blondes are at higher risk of major hair sun damage if they don't take extra precaution.

"Blonde hair tends to become dull, dry and lose vibrancy quickly from exposure to harsh elements such as sun or salt water," says Erick Orellana, colorist and "blonde expert" at Privé Salon Los Angeles. "Fortunately I've discovered many simple and easy steps one can take to help prevent damage during the intense summer months."SPRAY, SHINE AND PROTECT: Look for a Spray with UV filters and protectants to prevent moisture loss and color fading caused from sun rays, like Privé's Flash Brilliance, which protects hair from UV damage. Make sure to apply all over before hitting the sun to give your hair full strength protection from the rays.

MASTER TIP BEFORE YOU DIP: Swimming in chlorinated water is a big concern for blondes as the water has the tendency to turn blonde locks into shades of green. Add extra protection to your hair before taking a dip by mixing a combination of water with a leave-in conditioner like Privé's Leave-in Treatment. Mix in a small spritzer bottle you can tote in your beach bag and spray on hair while lounging poolside to minimize the absorption of damaging chemicals in chlorinated water.

GLOSS IT UP: A gloss treatment post highlights or coloring session will seal in color and tone by creating a protective layer over the hair adding moisture and shine. Adding moisture to blonde hair in the summer is important to keep it from drying in the sun and heat which ultimately makes hair look dull and straw-like.

HOME CARE: Even after taking steps to prevent damage and protect hair an at-home treatment like a mask or oil treatment is a must for blondes to help restore hair. Privé's Intensive Mask works wonders and is easy to use in the comfort of your own home. Apply all over hair and leave on anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour before shampooing. This will repair your hair, replenish moisture and add shine to beautiful blonde locks..

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

If you scroll down, you'll see that I posted the entire awesome new Fall 2010 Collection. It's gorgeous! I'm thrilled that I'm going to be trying out some of the items! You've done it again, Estée Lauder!

Blurb: Eyeshadow that makes eyes come alive. Versatile 5-color palette allows you to play with intensities, mix and blend shades, express different attitudes-soft to bold. Holds 5 varying color intensities and finishes: matte, satin, shimmer or metallic. The highlighter is the magic touch. Use it to brighten the look and widen eyes instantly. The deepest shade structures and defines the eyes. Ophthalmologist-tested and Fragrance-free.

How could I not jump at the chance to try out this palette? Purple is my favorite color, and this palette is jaw-droppingly gorgeous! It comes in a beautiful, slim compact with a very generous-sized mirror. I like using my own brushes, but the ones that are included are great for travel. The formula is wonderful: velvety, easy to blend, and lasts all day without creasing, fading or changing color.

And the colors…just heavenly. I have a lot of purple on my vanity, and these colors still managed to stand out. They range from the softest, most neutral grey/purple to a deep smoky eggplant (which also looks great as a liner). There's also a pale, gossamer highlighter, a shimmery violet, and a satiny lilac. They're all gorgeous and can be worn in infinite combinations! I plan to see just how many I can come up with.

You can check out the whole Fall 2010 collection on the website, as well as get application tips (and enter the Monthly Sweepstakes). I suggest going to your nearest beauty counter and trying them out, though..(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

I'm pretty good about letting people know when my birthday is coming up. Not because I'm trying to wheedle gifts (parents excluded); but because I want to really get a chance to share it with the people around me. And there has been a whole lot of sharing.

I've been branching out and trying some new things, which means a bunch of new people have come into my life this year. Even with all the adjustments (and awkwardness) that comes with meeting new people; this has been one of the most exciting years of my life. And I suspect this is just the beginning. One thing I've learned this year, is how much I still have to learn…and how much fun it can be to do things differently.

In addition to all of the caring and sharing, there's been a heck of a lot of fun. I had a surprise party on the weekend! And it was an actual surprise! I'm pretty good at sensing when something is up; but my friends managed to keep everything under wraps (literally) until the minute they yelled "surprise!" And the dear, dear person who planned it all thought of ingenious ways to divert my attention at the right moments.

Adding to the fun is my new, amazing GORGEOUS Hermés scarf that my other spectacular friend picked out for me. I am in scarfy birthday love!

(This picture features the design, but in a different color scheme – mine is bordered in red, with a green background instead of gold.)

MmmmWAH to you, my adorable scarfy friend! I'm wearing it tied today, but here I have it draped around my shoulders. When the weather gets cooler, I can spread it out a little more.

I also got a really pretty rainscarf – perfect for the ridiculous thunderstorms that have been showing up all of a sudden!

Oh the awesomeness!

Anyway…just had to share. One of the things I've learned is that if you focus on the happy times when they arrive, it's likely that more of them will show up!

Ahem…I'm going to be reviewing quiete a few new EL items over the next few weeks. And today I'm featuring one of the new shadow palettes (the purple one of course). But be sure to take a look at the whole amazing collection right this minute…

Fall 2010: The Blue Dahlia Pure Color Collection

The blues and purples in the collection are iconic colors for autumn and winter. I like to give women choices in the way that they look. From a neutral to a smoky to a fashionable, strong look, these shades can be used with them all. – Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director, Estée Lauder

Introducing the new vision in color for the Fall 2010 season, the Blue Dahlia Pure Color Collection for smoldering eyes, shimmering lips and bold nails. Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux debuted his inspiration for this collection backstage at the Derek Lam Autumn/Winter 2010 Fashion Show. At the “Myth of the West” themed show, Tom created a strong, intensely energetic look that perfectly tied together the design and fantasy of the clothing. The complete makeup collection includes two distinct looks as well as two complimentary lip products that create a visionary, avant-garde look with a touch of whimsical glamour.

In this intensely seductive collection, eyes take center stage in electric blue and vintage violet, lips are shimmering in subtle shades of pale pink and raspberry shine while rich nail hues of deep navy and iridescent lilac complete the look.

Rich, Striking Eyes: The Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palettes in Blue Dahlia and Surreal Violet are a powerful mix of cool, mysterious shades that mimic the fiercely theatrical world at the edge of night. Housed in a sophisticated golden-mirrored compact with oversized Estée Lauder cartouche, each palette holds five mesmerizing shadow and texture combinations to create endless looks that are both enticing and alluring. Layer the different shades and textures for optimal intensity.

Highlight and illuminate your eye look with four new shades of Pure Color EyeShadow in Twilight Rose, Sepia Sand, Enchanted Meadow and Emerald Star for a standout pop of color.

Monday, July 26, 2010

First, the giveaway reminder: I’m partnering with Schick and Skintimate for a lovely giveaway! (Click HERE for details.) Come back and read the rest of this post when you’re done.

Done? Okay, then.

This is my birthday week; but I feel like the gifts have already arrived. I’ve had one of the most amazing weeks in one of the most amazing months in a truly amazing year! Impossible things have happened; and I’ve learned more about myself than I ever thought possible.

One of the things I’m most grateful for are the people who have crossed my path. There are those I knew for a short while, and those who have found a permanent place in my heart. There’s a saying that, “when the student is ready, the teacher appears.” I don’t think that’s ever been more true for me. I have learned incredible things from the people who are in my life. Not just about creativity and ways of living; but about openness, friendship, intimacy; and most importantly: love. I feel truly blessed and ready for another wonderful year.

It’s killing me not to insert a cheesy tie-in right here.* But I’m going to muster up a tiny bit of taste and decorum, and simply tell you that today’s beauty is brought to you by Schick and Skintimate.

Blurb: The TrimStyle razor is a great two-in-one razor: a shaving cartridge with four ultra-thin blades on one end and a waterproof, battery powered bikini trimmer on the other. The trimmer has an adjustable comb which gently guides the hair toward the trimmer blade to achieve desired hair length (a choice of three length settings), and can also be removed completely for an even closer trim.

Blurb: Add some color and fun to your shaving with your favorite Skintimate Signature Scents Moisturizing Shave Gel. These moisturizing shave preps come in six enticing fragrances that have 11 moisturizers, vitamins, an antioxidant to replenish your skin’s natural moisture and a burst of fruity freshness.

First…just go to the store and get the razor. Or at least enter my giveaway because this razor is fabulous!! I’ve been a fan of the original Quattro for Women for a long time; but the TrimStyle is nothing short of spectacular. It uses the same great blades (which give a close, nick-free shave and have those comfortable conditioning strips). In addition, the head has excellent pivoting action (best I’ve ever used), and the additional trimmer (at the other end) is convenient, easy to use and incredibly versatile. It’s a great value!!!

I also really liked the Skintimate Gel. "Raspberry Rain" had a wonderful, fresh berry fragrance, and the texture was cushiony and luxurious. It dissolved deodorant residue fairly well, and made my skin nice and soft.

Check out all the great shaving products (and tips) on the Schick and Skintimate websites. You can sign up for their mail lists, browse the newest items, and check out special offers. Schick and Skintimate are sold in grocery stores, drugstores and places like Ulta, Walgreens, CVS, duane reade, and drugstore.com.

*Okay...for my cheesy tie-in, let's just say that getting today's post published a few minutes before midnight is a pretty close shave (just cracked myself up...please don't hate me)..(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Friday, July 23, 2010

Now that my hair is getting longer, I'm getting reacquainted with one of its (many) peculiarities. Most of my hair is curly and thick; but the hair at the top of my head tends to be finer, thinner and have relatively little curl. This doesn't matter much when my hair is short or medium length; but once it starts growing, I'm in terrible danger of having the dreaded "Christmas tree" effect. (That's when my hair gets that Roseanne Roseannadanna triangle shape*…shudder!)

Eventually, my hair will grow out enough to be fixed with layering by a professional hair stylist (in my case, the intrepid "Scott"). But in the meantime, I need something to give me a volume boost as well as the always necessary conditioning. As luck would have it, the hair gurus at Ojon are way ahead of me.

Blurb: In just 2 minutes, this nourishing creamy mask improves the condition of dry, dehydrated hair. With the appeal of a light refreshing fragrance this formula helps replenish hydration and detangle hair leaving it silky-smooth and shiny without weighing it down. Fortified with exclusive Ojon® oil, an ancient native secret to naturally beautiful hair from Central America’s Tawira tribe, known as "the people of beautiful hair.™" Enriched with 9 exotic oils and butters (Murumuru Butter, Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Babassu Seed Oil, Passion Flower Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sesame Oil, Avocado Oil) that infuse directly into the hair shaft to condition and nourish dry, dehydrated hair. Each of these oils is carefully selected for their high content in essential lipids. These lipids mimic the ones naturally present in hair.

I love a good hair mask, and this one is a stand out! For one thing, it's convenient. Most of the masks I use are for overnight – which is very nice; but there isn't always time. This one works fabulously in only 2 minutes. I smoothed it on, put on a shower cap, picked out my clothes for the day, came back and rinsed. That was it! I skipped my daily conditioner (as per the instructions), and my hair was gorgeous.

My hair was soft without any heaviness or greasiness (and stayed soft until the next morning). But the big surprise was the noticeable lift. My hair looked fuller and thicker; and my curls looked great – all without any frizz or fuzziness. The fact that the effects lasted into the next day tells me that regular use is going to make a big difference.

Another giveaway! I'm making sure that we have TWO fabulous giveaways in July (because it's my birthday month). Our second giveaway is in partnership with CSN stores! CSN has over 200 online stores where you can find absolutely everything. Sites with gorgeous handbags and shoes, modern home décor (or even really specific needs like LED lighting, laptop cases, or bird cages)!

The Prize: a $60 gift certificate towards the item of your choice at any CSN online store (to be entered during online checkout). Awesome! Since CSN has over 200 stores to choose from (take a look here); it shouldn't be too hard to find a use for such a nifty prize.

How to enter: Send an email to me at ifeelpretty@comcast.net with a comment about any of my 2010 posts. Put "CSN Giveaway" in the subject line; and put the post title and your comment in the body of the email. You have as many chances to win as I have posts this year (just send each one in a separate email). I'll accept entries through Saturday, July 31 (11:59pm Eastern), and I’ll email the winner on Sunday, August 1. The winners will have 72 hours to respond. If no response, I’ll move to the next randomly selected person. U.S. residents only and GOOD LUCK!.

Oh my…another collection of goodies from Urban Decay! It's on the website now and will be hitting stores on August 1. Take a long, happy look!

Good Karma Brushes: We’ve all done our fair share of deeds that put us deep into karmic debt. Today, I ate someone else’s lunch out of the refrigerator at work. It was quiche Lorraine for crying out loud! Anyone who thinks their quiche will sit in a communal fridge undisturbed deserves to have it eaten. Lucky for me, I use Urban Decay’s Good Karma Brushes, so I get permanent good karma credit, and so can you. Just imagine the endless possibilities of a daily deposit to your good karma account.

No need to actually be a good person. Who’s got the time for that nowadays anyway! Urban Decay’s Good Karma Brushes are high performance, artist-quality, cruelty free, vegan, and eco-friendly! Each brush comes encased in a magnetic box fashioned out of recycled egg cartons, and embossed with the Urban Decay logo in purple foil. The super-soft synthetic brush hair (doesn’t hold on to stinky bacteria the way porous animal hair does…gross) is made from recycled PET bottles, and the sleek gunmetal brush handles are recycled aluminum. Tell your Birkenstock wearing, granola eating, non-carbon footprint leaving boyfriend to put that in his pipe and smoke it!

Don’t bother replacing the toilet paper roll or refilling the Brita. Continue being your lovely, self-involved self, and keep your karma in tact without sacrificing performance! Finally, a brush line with actual names rather than numbers tells you which brush to use for what/where! Whether you are a make-up novice or junkie, there is a Good Karma Brush to suit any and every beauty need. Scoop up each one, and feel good any time you make a withdrawal from your karma account.

Urban Lash: “He who winks his eyes plans perverse things…” Proverbs 16:30...As evidenced by the Bible, winking has historically been considered a dirty little secret shared by two randy individuals. When meeting my boyfriend’s uptight Republican parents for the first time, I thought I’d impress his dad with a little Sarah Palin style wink across the dinner table. Much to my surprise, not only was Mr. Adams well versed on the Tea Party, but on tea bagging as well. It was truly an evening of Biblical proportions.

Custom designed by Urban Decay, Urban Lash offers false lashes suitable for any and every situation, whether you’re accidentally seducing an elder Republican, or at home dancing in your underwear with a fan blowing your hair back a la Demi Moore in Striptease. Varying styles and widths (1/4, 3/4, and full) so easy an eight year old could put them on, will boost your confidence and add as much or as little drama to your lash life as you please. The 18 different styles offer up a wide range of different and beautiful lashes…most are everyday wearable! The handmade, cruelty-free, synthetic fibers make each pair affordably guiltless. Every ornate, little box comes with latex-free adhesive in a bottle with a built in applicator wand, ensuring no lash or glue snafus and total peace of mind.

Unexpected bootycall from Mr. Adams? No need to worry! Just toss on (it’s seriously that easy) your favorite style of Urban Lash, throw on some gloss, and practice your best wink. Customize each pair by trimming the lash width for a perfect fit, making your falsies look like they were made just for you (not Tammy Faye). To prevent lash-slide, wait 10 seconds for the glue to get tacky before fitting your new lashes snugly in place. Show your peepers off, be perverse and wink away!

Naked Palette: We don’t do modesty here. Full frontal is how Urban Decay does neutral! A far cry from ‘G’ rated, the Naked Palette by Urban Decay features a shade range that runs from the nudest champagne to the grittiest gunmetal.

Office-appropriate and smoldering all at once, our long and lean Naked Palette houses 12 eyeshadows, including 7 of our best-sellers (Gunmetal, Half Baked, Naked, Sidecar, Sin, Smog, and Toasted) and 5 new saucy shades (Buck, Creep, Darkhorse, Hustle and Virgin). Matte, shimmer, satin, or sparkle, we’ve upped the ante with these essential shadows. And as if that wasn’t enough, our sleek chocolate brown velvet box features gold foil detail complete with a mirror, plus we’ve included a never-before-seen, exclusive, double-ended version of our award winning 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero (black) and Whiskey (a rich brown new shade similar to Bourbon, without the sparkle). Also included is an essential, travel-size Eyeshadow Primer Potion. We’ve gone all in…it’s your turn to take it all off!

Vegan Palette: I chose the vegan lifestyle for health reasons, then it became a moral choice, and now it’s just the best way to annoy people. I’ve always been a first-class complainer, and adding vegan to my whiny persona made my job of complaining that much easier. That is, of course, until Urban Decay came out with the Limited Edition Vegan Palette.

Satisfying all of my Vegan beauty needs in one fell swoop, the Vegan Palette is an affront to myself, and the rest of my whiny vegan brethren, because now we have NOTHING to complain about! Boasting six best-selling vegan eyeshadows, travel sizes of Sin Eyeshadow Primer Potion and Zero 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, this palette leaves me speechless, and gorgeous! Featuring saturated colors, Minx, Urb, and Gunmetal, alongside sexy neutrals Twice Baked, Smog, and Half Baked, this slim palette even appeals to the carnivores among us (you don’t want to be fighting HER for the last one on the shelf!).

Lip Junkie: Don’t blow your fix on glosses that don’t live up to their hype. Get hooked on Lip Junkie Lip Gloss and experience super-shine and long-lasting color without the sticky hangover. Pick your poison: choose from 11 chic shades that range from pretty neutrals to high-voltage brights, in sheer to medium coverage. Guaranteed to turn even the straightest-edge chicks into fiends.

Our luxe mint-flavored formula is laced with Maxi Lip, a key collagen boosting ingredient that moisturizes and actually plumps lips an average of 40% when used daily for a month! Being an addict has never looked so lovely.

Lip Junkie Lip Gloss features a slimline tube crowned by a signature, stained glass style metallic cap: gunmetal layered over rich purple lining. The soft and durable Surlyn tube is molded as a single piece, not crimped at the end, so no need to tweak out about lip gloss explosions in your bag ever again! Stash your gloss anywhere worry-free! The precision applicator tip has a soft feel and ensures perfect, mess-free application every time..

Thursday, July 22, 2010

It's Thursday already – which means it's also time for another installment of face-related gorgeousness. It's been great checking out such a wide variety of foundations, primers, sealers and powders over the last few Thursdays. I'm having a lot of fun; and I'm also learning that there really is something for everybody, every season and every complexion need. Today's fabulous face is from AMOREPACIFIC.

Blurb: A botanical rich, oil-free, tinted moisturizer provides sheer, natural coverage to minimize the appearance of minor flaws and imperfections while letting the natural beauty of skin shine through. Unique, water-free formulation utilized Stabilized Bamboo Sap in lieu of distilled water for improved skin vitality. Ideal for all skin types, even Sensitive or Oily. Available in 4 shades.

Who ever first thought of tinted moisturizers is a genius. Of course, I could probably look it up on the interwebs; but I don't really feel like it. Instead, I feel like talking about how utterly spectacular this particular tinted moisturizer happens to be. If I had to describe it in three words…I would fail. Three words would just not be enough. So here are a whole bunch of words: oil free, SPF15, weightless, hydrating, long-lasting, nourishing, luxurious.

In addition to all those words up there, I need to add that it goes on easily, has a wonderful texture and seems to disappear into the skin right away. It leaves a lovely, very sheer, and very natural finish. It really is spectacular!

Hello pretty readers! I'm partnering with the folks at Schick and Skintimate for an awesome Summer giveaway!

I'm giving away A Beauty Essentials Value Pack to TWO lucky ifp readers! The Value Pack truly lives up to it's name. It includes the TrimStyle razor (which I'll be reviewing next week), and some gorgeous Caress Body Wash – all for what you'd normally pay for the TrimStyle alone!

Read all the details, check out the entry rules at the bottom, then get busy and enter – big thanks to Schick and Skintimate for a great Summer Giveaway!

Get Smooth Giveaway!

Happy summer! With more fun in the sun, packing lightly and staying smooth is as necessary as ever. Schick and Skintimate want to help you stay prim and proper – even with the summer heat!

As if the bonus products weren’t enough, the TrimStyle razor is a great two-in-one razor: a shaving cartridge with four ultra-thin blades on one end and a waterproof, battery powered bikini trimmer on the other. The trimmer has an adjustable comb which gently guides the hair toward the trimmer blade to achieve desired hair length (a choice of three length settings), and can also be removed completely for an even closer trim.

The Skintimate Moisturizing Cream Shave for Dry Skin locks in moisture that you can instantly feel. It’s a non-aerosol, luxurious cream shave with unique technology that creates a moisture-locking barrier on skin to protect and seal in moisture. The bonus for your skin? It’s enriched with moisturizing Olive Butter, Soy, and antioxidant White Tea.

The Value Pack is available at top retailers nationwide until the end of July and is sold at an average retail price of $10.99—the price of just one TrimStyle razor.

How to enter: Send an email to me at ifeelpretty@comcast.net with a hint/suggestion about how to keep your skin smooth in the summer. Put "Schick Get Smooth Giveaway" in the subject line, and your suggestions in the body of the email. You have as many chances to win as you have hints (just send each one in a separate email). I'll accept entries through Saturday, July 31 (11:59pm Eastern), and I’ll email the winners on Sunday, August 1. The winners will have 72 hours to respond. If no response, I’ll move to the next randomly selected person. U.S. residents only and GOOD LUCK!.

In 2002 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the same disease that took my mother's life. Fortunately, I was treated and made a full recovery, but I vowed to never let recovery be the end of my battle.

On behalf of my company, I invite you to help fund the fight to find a cure for breast cancer by supporting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® through OUIDAD - Curls For A Cure®. We'll continue to match your donations dollar for dollar towards our goal to donate one million dollars.

Even small donations can do big things; therefore we've created two convenient ways to participate. You can make an outright contribution from one of the "Donation" links on this page, or you can add a donation to your shopping basket during check-out when you're making a purchase.

Either way, I firmly believe that with your help we can beat breast cancer by helping fund the research that creates new treatments and ultimately finds a cure for this devastating disease.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Things have been um...challenging...around here. The air conditioning system at work is on the fritz and we're all crowded together in each others' offices with hastily installed window units. Which makes for a bit of stress in addition to the heat and humidity. Which means there's a need for something both cooling and soothing today. Hey, I know! How about a fabulous hand cream from Elizabeth Grant?

Blurb: Eww! Take one big whiff of Hand and Foot Cream - and you know this works. Grandma’s highly, aromatic Camphor is so potent you can feel it’s going to work hard while it provides an immediate cooling sensation that alleviates discomfort . This is your prescription for chapped, calloused, dry, rough hands and feet. An intensive treatment to soothe, soften, protect, and deeply nourish the skin.

Okay, I thought that blurb was a little dramatic. The cream does smell like camphor (which I happen to like); but the scent fades fairly quickly. Camphor has been around for ages because of its many benefits. It's especially great for skin because it absorbs quickly, produces a cooling effect, and even has antimicrobial properties.

So what does a cream containing camphor actually mean for your hands and feet? It means that the cooling, soothing properties get absorbed right away and make everything lovely and soft. This Cream feels like nothing else! The combination of Camphor, Shea Butter, Green Tea and Chamomile not only penetrated and softened my hands immediately; but my grouchy summer skin felt refreshed right away. And my feet – unbelievable! My tootsies felt amazing, looked soft and supple, and stayed that way for hours (even while wearing flip flops). This is definitely a keeper…and if you have problem summer skin, it's a must have!

Our stable formula Vitamin C serum contains 12% Ascorbic Acid to create a topical formulation that provides more than twenty times the Vitamin C typically found in the skin. This powerful antioxidant is combined with Aloe Vera, Algae Extract and Orange Oil to fight free radicals, stimulate collagen production and aid in cellular repair.

Skin treated to this immunity boost up to two times daily will see increased firmness and a more youthful appearance within 60-90 days. Results may vary depending on previous damage..

Naomi Watts seems to keep getting more beautiful. At the premiere of Salt last night she looked beyond fabulous as she wore a shorter, dramatic new blunt bob with layered side-swept bangs. Inspired by the lines of the metallic strapless Gucci mini-dress that Naomi wore, stylist Robert Vetica created a sleek look that referenced 60's British pop and a Studio 54 vibe refined by a soft, natural mood.

According to Vetica, "It was quite a change for Naomi. I cut 2 inches off, kept her hair blunt and collarbone length, and created bangs that swooped to the side. The length is a bit longer in front and slightly higher in back. The bangs were first cut long and blunt, then razored and texturized to about the bridge of the nose so they looked lighter around the face and were easily swept to the side.

"After we did so many different looks for Cannes, I wanted Naomi to look fresh and young and really different. The look had to accent her gorgeous blonde color, have lots of shine and movement and look really healthy and strong.

I started with Moroccanoil Light because fine blonde hair tangles so easily but can't take too much conditioner. Argan oil-infused Moroccanoil absorbs right into delicate lightened hair, makes it easier to comb, gives it a smoother texture, and eliminates flyaways. It also makes blowdrying faster, all without weighing hair down. The strands look light and airy, as if I didn't use any product.

After I blowdried the hair and shaped it, I used Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray for an added boost of shine for when she appeared in the spotlight. I finished off with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to keep flyaways at bay for the length of the evening, while still allowing the hair to move. I did a couple of quick mists from about 6 inches, then put a comb through the hair right away to loosen the look while keeping its hold."

Press Junket: Angelina Jolie

All eyes were on Angelina Jolie at the international press junket for her highly-anticipated film, "Salt," in Cancun, Mexico today.

Truly breathtaking, she wore an elegant, white strapless dress with hair that was smooth, sleek and natural-looking. It was styled by David Babaii, who created her beautiful new style with bangs.

This is how David achieved the look: "The humid climate and tropical breezes of Cancun presented unique styling challenges. After cutting the bangs a bit shorter and chipping into them so they appeared even softer and swept away, I dampened her hair and applied Moroccanoil Treatment to protect it during blowdrying, prevent frizz in this a very damp environment, and lock in weightless, natural-looking shine.

Next, I applied Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream to create soft hold, and smooth any bends in her texture. I then made a side part, sweeping the bangs to the left, and created three sections: two on the side and a larger one in the back. I used a large round brush to blow each section smooth.

To complete the look, I manipulated the hair and tousled it for a natural, bohemian touch. I finished with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray for strong hold that kept the style in place but allowed it to move naturally.".

Two reasons to be in London right now: lack of hideous Pennsylvania weather and the new Erno Laszlo Boutique! Check it out…

Iconic skincare company Erno Laszlo announces the arrival of a new addition to its legacy.

Unlock the Secret to Beautiful Skin at the Erno Laszlo Boutique in London

Forty years after the closing of Dr. Erno Laszlo’s original Institute on Fifth Avenue in New York, a new Erno Laszlo Boutique in London’s Covent Garden has opened, promising the same unrivalled treatment and service that gained the Doctor the trust of some of the most beautiful women in the world.

If you want to experience the same attentive care and photo finish results as the great Greta Garbo or attain the beauty secrets of the untouchable Marilyn Monroe, then this London beauty oasis is the place to be. In sync with the heritage of the brand and improved with all the contemporary additions to the line, the Erno Laszlo London Boutique has everything a modern, sophisticated beauty could ever desire.

The full line of glamorous, skin altering products are impeccably displayed for the client to view and a hand-picked, Institute-trained staff of specialists are present to ensure an unparallel experience for every shopper. As an Erno Laszlo customer, you can rest easy in the skilled hands of our Laszlo experts whose guidance is guaranteed to unveil the skin that was once only attainable in your dreams. Rediscover the kind of attentive service that the company was founded upon and realize how special and unique your daily skincare ritual can actually be.

To complete this ultimate beauty experience, a full line of Erno Laszlo spa therapies are available to pamper and protect the livelihood of your newly uncovered skin. Set in a modern and relaxing space that can transport even the most stressed shopper into a state of bliss, Erno Laszlo has assembled an amazing list of skin treatments. From a Deep Hydration Facial that leaves the skin soothed and refreshed to the all encompassing Rejuevenation Head to Toe Treatment that will have you floating out of the boutique, Erno Laszlo has thought of everything.

Make your appointment now to join an elite clientele and discover the reason behind the saying, “Nothing works like Laszlo works” and “Nothing looks like Laszlo skin.”

Once again while shopping for beauty products, I was faced with a terrible task. How can I justify buying yet another eyeliner when I have a whole vanity full of perfectly fabulous liners at home? This is when beauty junkie logic becomes very useful. If I buy a formula/color/brand that I don’t already have, I’m not being extravagant. I’m merely exploring. Learning. Furthering my beauty education so that I can generously share with others. (Cue poignant music.)

Seriously…BeautyTicket.com had these liners at a steal so I whipped out my card and snapped one up (I also got a few other goodies that I “needed”).

I got to try this liner at a fabulous price; but I would pay full price in a heartbeat. For starters, I love the color. “Shake Down” is a soft burgundy that’s pretty and modern, yet very wearable. It works like a neutral and the reds and browns make it very flattering.

The formula is stellar! It’s soft and creamy out of the bottle. It’s definitely a liquid liner; but it’s a little bit thicker than usual in consistency – which makes it easy to apply. It goes on smoothly, covers well, has a bit of “blend” time, then sets and stays put. I applied it first thing in the morning on a summer day; and it still looked great at six o’clock. What makes this liner really stand out, though, is the velvety finish – it’s lovely (and very forgiving to tiny lines).

The other available colors are “Angel Heart” (black) and “Showgirl” (gold lamé). The brush (included) worked very well. Check out the awesome NARS website and have a look a the other shades. And don’t forget to take a look at the new Fall 2010 Collection or the hot 15 x 15 page. NARS is also available at Sephora, beauty.com, and department stores like bloomingdales and Saks..(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Check it out – Estée Lauder will be distributing free samples at all of their beauty counters. Choose either a 10-Day supply of their new Advanced Night Repair Eye or a10-Day supply of Advanced Night Repair. Read and mark your calendar…

Estée Lauder to Distribute 360,000 Samples on July 22nd at ALL Counters Nationwide.

On Thursday, July 22nd Estée Lauder will kick off its largest sampling program to date – America’s Night to Repair. To anniversary the success of last year’s first annual America’s Night to Repair, for 4 synchronized hours – from 5:00pm – 9:00pm (all local times) – Estée Lauder Beauty Advisors will be distributing a total of 360,000 deluxe samples.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, July 21), Borghese will be having their annual one-day sale. Get your mouse ready and save 30% on your online order! Whether you want to try something new or stock up on a favorite, this is the time!

Borghese Annual Sale

Borghese’s annual online Summer Savings One Day Sale will be taking place tomorrow, Wednesday July 21st, 2010. Use the promo code SUMMER30 for 30% off YOUR ENTIRE borghese.com purchase. The promotion will be running from 12:01am EST to 11:59pm PST.

So exciting! I've been a giant fan of Prive ever since I tried their unbelievably awesome Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner. And now there are two new products coming out – I can't wait to try them out. Read all about it…

New hair products from Prive!

The days of spending hours blow drying and ironing your hair in this hot summer heat are over thanks to Laurent Dufourg, celebrity hair stylist and founder of the world renown hair care line Prive’ Products. Dufourg has created two new hassle-free products just for summer. The first is a revolutionary non-aerosol mousse called Concept Vert Volumizing Froth and the second is an innovative and multifunctional Extended Texture Clay. They are also synonymous with Prive’s esteemed reputation, providing flawless manageable hair at home.Concept Vert Volumizing Froth

In addition to the high-yield and non-aerosol recyclable packaging, Concept Vert Volumizing Froth consists of a paraben-free formulation that is enriched with certified organic extracts. This foaming cream mousse amplifies style while also nourishing, protecting, strengthening and rejuvenating the hair with antioxidant rich Amazon Açaí and Babassu Oil. Unlike many commercial hair products, this product does not contain commonly used artificial ingredients including DEA, TEA or artificial coloring and is never tested on animals.

Akin to the entire eco-friendly product line, Concept Vert Volumizing Froth contains a unique high-yield formula, which means this certified Environmentally Preferred Product comes in a special bottle that equates to more uses than other products in similar size packaging and is designed to be recycled.

Extended Texture Clay

- Perfect for textured beachy waves for women, matte styling for men and short hair, and intense volume for everyone.- Enriched with healing nutrients such as Kelp and Shea Butter to protect against dryness and promote healthy growth.- Thick but weightless clay provides both body and texture to hair.

Privé’s Extended Texture Clay, a thick but weightless clay-like cream, is one of the most versatile products on the market today. It can be used to add immense volume to long hairstyles, provides outstanding dry texture finishes to men’s cuts, eliminates frizz on all hair, is fantastic for next day styling and can be used to impart sexy ocean texture styling.

Enriched with ocean Kelp and Shea Butter, Privé’s Extended Texture Clay not only works as a great styling product but also touts healing benefits for the hair. Kelp, a seaweed plant rich in vitamins, nutrients and minerals, promotes healthy hair growth. Shea Butter is a super emollient natural conditioner, which adds luster to the hair while fighting frizz, protecting against dryness and soothes the scalp..

so who am i anyway?

(This is me -- bringing my "A" game to kindergarten).......A while back, I re-connected to my inner-beauty junkie and decided to hop on the bandwagon by adding to the fifty gazillion beauty blogs on the web. These days I'm looking for ways to balance creativity, romance, friendships, fashion and sleep. And of course...keeping my eyes open for new ways to feel pretty. If you want to send a note, sample or feedback, contact me at ifeelpretty@comcast.net. I'll gladly respond to your notes and comments, and I'm always happy to check out any product samples and information (I'll only feature products I love, though).

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#1 Reviews: Since I've gotten several emails asking me why I never seem to dislike anything; I thought I'd put a quick answer here on the site. I try out lots of samples that are sent to me as well as stuff I go out and purchase myself. I decided to only feature products I love - because if I don't love it; I'd rather just get rid of it and move on without having to write about it. I want to have as much fun with this blog as humanly possible and use my time to get all gushy over the really good stuff. So if I don't like something, you'll probably never hear about it.

#2 Disclosure: I just signed on to AdSense (Google’s ad service for bloggers like me), so you’ll be seeing some ads here and there from third-party advertising companies. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here.

#3 Disclaimer: This blog is intended for entertainment and informative purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, personal and/or consumer advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your personal and medical concerns. The author (aka: me) is not liable for any outcome (good or bad) resulting from information obtained from this site. Quite frankly, I'm pretty sure that you already know what you need more than I ever could; so I'm really only adding this disclaimer thingy to be proactive and cover my bases.